extremadamente
Lemma Details
Translation: extremely; exceedingly; tremendously; utterly
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from the feminine form of the past participle 'extremado' (extreme, excessive) of the verb 'extremar' (to carry to the extreme), plus the adverbial suffix '-mente'. The root comes from Latin 'extremus' (outermost, utmost), which is the superlative form of 'exter' (external, outward). The English cognate 'extremely' follows a similar formation pattern, both conveying the sense of something being at the furthest possible point.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El examen fue extremadamente difícil.
The exam was extremely difficult.
Estoy extremadamente cansado después del viaje.
I am extremely tired after the trip.
La situación es extremadamente peligrosa.
The situation is extremely dangerous.
Se comportó de manera extremadamente grosera.
He behaved in an extremely rude manner.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'extreme' + '-ly' in English, which has the same meaning and similar structure.
- Visualize something at the 'extreme' end of a spectrum with the '-mente' ending telling you it's an adverb.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both formal and informal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a common intensifier in everyday speech and writing, similar to how 'extremely' is used in English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both are intensifiers, 'extremadamente' emphasizes the extreme degree or limit of something, whereas 'extraordinariamente' emphasizes something unusual or exceptional.
Confused word:
El niño es extraordinariamente talentoso para su edad.
The child is extraordinarily talented for his age.
Notes: Both adverbs can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual speech, but 'extraordinariamente' often carries a more positive connotation of exceptional quality.
Mnemonic: 'Extremadamente' relates to 'extreme' (at the limit), while 'extraordinariamente' relates to 'extraordinary' (beyond ordinary).
Explanation: 'Extremadamente' is neutral and simply indicates a high degree, while 'excesivamente' implies too much of something, beyond what is necessary or desirable.
Confused word:
Come excesivamente y eso afecta su salud.
He eats excessively and that affects his health.
Notes: 'Excesivamente' carries a negative connotation of excess, while 'extremadamente' is more neutral.
Mnemonic: Think of 'excesivamente' as containing 'excess' - too much of something.